The heavy police and army presence in the Cape Town CBD did not prevent ANC and EFF supporters from clashing with each other ahead of President Jacob Zuma’s 10th State of the Nation Address yesterday.
And later the night, the EFF also clashed with Parliamentary security guards after they were ordered out of the house for interrupting Zuma’s speech.
After the clash, Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema vowed he would not approach the courts after his party was kicked out.
“This is a political battle. We will fight it on the ground. We will not be going to court,” Malema told journalists.
“I am injured, I’m not sure how I can be able to hold the pen tomorrow. Our people are injured,” he added.
Earlier in the day, ANC numbers were swelled by hundreds of school children, dressed in their uniforms, who pelted police with rocks and traffic cones.
Mayor Patricia De Lille said more than 5 000 police officers and 441 soldiers were deployed in the city for the opening of parliament.
Yesterday afternoon, the EFF gathered with banners, singing and chanting while a large number of police monitored their protest in Adderley Street.
The number of protesters were far below the masses which came into conflict with ANC members last year.
EFF provincial chairperson Bernard Joseph said they were protesting because Zuma failed to deliver on promises made in the past three addresses.
“Is he still president of this country, as it is quite clear that he is no longer an honourable member of parliament. That is why our people today in parliament won’t allow him to speak as he is dishonest,” said Joseph ahead of the address.
He said Zuma failed the country with regards to the education system and the lack of support for early childhood development in poorer communities.
A military vehicle entered Adderley Street and moved through the barricade with EFF members taunting the officers, calling it a waste of taxpayers' money.
The peaceful protest was gatecrashed by ANC supporters, among them school children, who clashed with the EFF and police.
The ANC members were asked to proceed to the Grand Parade, where thousands were gathering for the ANC’s People’s Assembly.
But the rowdy school learners refused, and waving placards, started chanting: “We belong here. Viva Zuma Viva!”.
They also swore and chanted insults at opposition party leaders, including EFF leader Julius Malema and Premier Helen Zille.
Many of the students wore Congress of South African Students (Cosas)-branded T-shirts.
They started pelting stones, litter, water and traffic cones at officers.
A Cape Argus reporter was hit by a stone.
“Allow us to come inside and deal with Malema,” some of the protesters shouted as police officers in riot gear pushed them back, resulting in a stampede down Shortmarket Street.
Police successfully drove the crowd back to the Grand Parade where they remained to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, thousands gathered on the parade for the ANC’s People's Assembly, in a show of strength and support, and where the president was to join them after his address.
Party supporters bused in for the event, were entertained with live music, and also given a taste of the Cape, as the Shoprite Pennsylvanians minstrel troupe performed.
Sylvia Grootboom and her family came all the way from Klipheuwel, outside Malmesbury to show their support for the ANC and Zuma. “It was a long bus ride, but we are so happy to be here. We are supporting our party and our leader, the president,” said Grootboom.